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Pirates Coast Trek - 8 Days Turkey

This challenging new short trek follows the highest and most rugged section of Turkey's first ever long-distance footpath - the Lycian Way. The route snakes its way from the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastline, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos. It finishes at the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonia. a pension near the sea at Adrasan.

Itinerary - Day 1

On arrival at Antalya airport you will be met by your driver and tour guide. We will transfer and check in at Caner Pension in Kemer. Welcome drink and dinner at the pension.

Day 2

Short transfer from our pension to Goynuk (50m) We walk up the gorge over switchback ridges beneath pine trees, with excellent views of pastureland and orchards. It is possible to swim in a river pool near our chosen spot for lunch. We meet our vehicle near a ranch (850m) from where we transfer back to our pension in Gedelme. (6 hrs walk)

Day 3

We transfer to the ranch where we left the walk the day before. Then we trek to Gedelme and have lunch at the restaurant next door to our pension. Then we explore a Roman castle and walk to a village house at Yayla Kuzdere. (900m). Supper and night in village house (rooms are shared and sleeping bags are required).

Day 4

Today we start directly from the village in Yayla Kuzdere and a steady climb up a stream bed leads us to the pastures of Cukur Yayla, just below Mount Olympos. We climb to our base camp on the shoulder of Mount Olympos. (1750m) (4-5 hrs). Camp in cedar forest; campfire supper. Luggage is transferred by the mules.

Day 5

We climb Mount Olympus at sunrise. There are many mountains called Mount Olympus, but this magnificent mountain could definitely have been the home of the gods. Spectacular views can be seen from the summit. We descend via the mulepath to the village of Beycik (900m), where we meet our transfer to Ulupinar for a fresh trout lunch, then on to the pension in Cirali.

Day 6

We start directly from our pension and walk through the runined city of Olympos and up Musa Dag (Moses mountain),(650m). After having a picnic lunch near an old hut we descend through the forest, past deserted farmhouses to a pension near the sea at Adrasan. Supper and night in pension. (8 hrs)

Day 7

We start walking directly from our pension and we walk via Kizil Sirt (450m) a switchback route along cliffs overlooking the sea, to a lighthouse at the tip of Cape Gelidonia. (200m) (6-7 hrs). We have great views of the islands all along the trek which runs parallel to the sea at high altitude. After meeting the lighthouse keeper we walk down to meet our vehicle to transfer back to Adrasan for overnight in the same pension.

Day 8

Transfer to Antalya.

Grade:

Grade C. Medium trekking with daypack; ascent of Mount Olympos is over scree and involves some hard climbs. (optional)

Crew:

Mountain guide, support vehicle and driver.

Equipment:

Trekkers should have a good quality sleeping bag, mat, good quality hard soled trekking boots, raingear, swimwear, sunhat, sunglasses and suncream and a 30-40 litre daysack. Walking sticks are recommended.

Accommodation:

4 nights in a pension, 1 night in a village house, 2 nights in camp. Trekkers are expected to help pitch/strike their own tents. All tents are good quality dome tents with two doors.

Meals:

Lunches will be picnics. Trekkers are expected to carry some of the food for lunch. Evening meals in camp will be hot soup or salads, a main course with pasta or rice and fruit.

Inclusions:

Price includes all transfers (from/to Antalya), accommodation, guide, transfers, meals and mule support. One evening meal, soft drinks, beer and tips are not included as well as entrance fees to historical sites and museums.

Min 8 max 16 pax. There is a surcharge £ of £per person for groups smaller than the minimum number.